Learning About Leap Year: Worksheets, Fun Facts, & More
As parents, we often look for fun and engaging ways to teach our children about the world around them. One fascinating topic that can spark curiosity in young minds is leap year.
Every four years, we add an extra day to the calendar to keep our clocks and seasons in sync, and this concept can be both educational and entertaining for kids to learn about.
We’ve got an eight-page printable for you below that includes an introduction to leap year, its history, and some interesting facts about it, as well as a math activity, this special day in different cultures, and some related activities and projects.
Let’s start with some fun facts about February 29 and creative ways to help your children understand this intriguing calendar phenomenon.
Fun Facts About Leap Year
Why Do We Have Leap Year?
Leap year exists because the Earth actually takes about 365.2422 days to orbit the sun, not exactly 365 days. By adding an extra day every four years, we keep our calendar aligned with the solar system.
Leap Day Traditions
In some cultures, leap day is a day when traditional gender roles are reversed, allowing women to propose to men. This tradition is believed to have originated in Ireland.
Leapling Babies
People born on February 29 are called “leaplings” or “leapers.” They usually celebrate their birthdays on either February 28 or March 1 in common years.
Leap Seconds
In addition to leap years, we sometimes have leap seconds. These are added to Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) to account for irregularities in Earth’s rotation.
Don’t forget to download the printable below for more interesting facts about leap year.
How to Teach Your Kids About Leap Year
Storytime with Leap Year Books
Introduce the concept of leap year with children’s books. These books explain this concept in simple terms and include fun illustrations to keep kids engaged. Here are a few book suggestions:
It’s My Birthday Finally! by Michelle Whitaker Winfrey
Leopold’s Long Await Leap Year Birthday by Dawn Desjardins
Leap’s Day: February 29 by Stephanie B Simmons
Printable Worksheets
Math Activities
Have your kids do a fun math lesson by calculating how many days are in a leap year compared to a regular year. You can also explore the concept of fractions, explaining that a leap year is like adding a small fraction of a day to each year. (There is also a math activity in the printable below.)
Calendar Craft
Create a leap-year calendar with your kids using construction paper and markers. Mark February 29 with a special color and explain that it only appears on the calendar every four years.
Scavenger Hunt
Hide clues around the house or yard that lead to a special prize or treat. Use the number 29 as a clue to remind kids of the unique date.
Dance Party
Celebrate leap year with a fun dance party where kids can leap and dance to their favorite music. Explain that February 29 is like taking an extra “leap” day in our calendar.
Conclusion
Teaching your kids about leap year can be a fun and educational experience for the whole family. By incorporating fun facts and engaging activities, you can help your children understand the concept of this day and its significance in our calendar.
Encourage their curiosity and creativity as they learn about this fascinating aspect of timekeeping. Who knows, maybe your child will even come up with a few ideas of their own that you can incorporate into future homeschool traditions!
For More February Fun!
24 Fun Valentine STEM Challenges for Kids
Valentine’s Day Stitched Heart Card Craft
